Download Popular Titles Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

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Title: King of the Court

Subtitle: Bill Russell and the Basketball Revolution

Author: Aram Goudsouzian

Narrator: J. D. Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-11-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Bill Russell was not the first African American to play professional basketball, but he was its first black superstar. From the moment he stepped onto the court of the Boston Garden in 1956, Russell began to transform the sport in a fundamental way, making him, more than any of his contemporaries, the Jackie Robinson of basketball.

In King of the Court, Aram Goudsouzian provides a vivid and engrossing chronicle of the life and career of this brilliant champion and courageous racial pioneer. Russell's leaping, wide-ranging defense altered the game's texture. His teams provided models of racial integration in the 1950s and 1960s, and, in 1966, he became the first black coach of any major professional team sport. Yet, like no athlete before him, Russell challenged the politics of sport. Instead of displaying appreciative deference, he decried racist institutions, embraced his African roots, and challenged the nonviolent tenets of the civil rights movement. This beautifully written book - sophisticated, nuanced, and insightful - reveals a singular individual who expressed the dreams of Martin Luther King Jr. while echoing the warnings of Malcolm X.

Members Reviews:

Portrait of a Basketball Revolutionary

Basketball legend, human rights activist, and Medal of Freedom recipient Bill Russell became the first black superstar on the court in 1956. During his thirteen years with the Boston Celtics, they won eleven championships. His defensive style of play changed how the game was played throughout the league.

One of basketball's greatest players had to endure racial epithets while he lead his team to victory time and againhow did this affect him? In the hands of Goudsouzian, who has a knack for bringing the insights of a political scholar together with entertaining storytelling, we learn.

Learn how to pronounce proper names

Any additional comments?

This is a great book but a very careless production. The producers or the reader did not take the time to learn the proper pronunciation of Reading, Ma, Tom Heinshon, Clyde Lovelette, or even Ballantine Beer. There were a dozen more. Its very irritating to hear this minute after minute.

great

the true king of his time, character, drive, ambition and a mentor to thousands he will never meet. Thank you

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Title: Enough Rope with Andrew Denton: Jimmy Webb

Author: Andrew Denton

Narrator: Jimmy Webb

Format: Original Recording

Length: 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-31-12

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Everyone has a story. The following interview is taken from the best of Andrew Denton's award-winning Enough Rope series, ranking among the most penetrating discussions from the 2000s with celebrities, larger-than-life personalities, and average Joes.

Jimmy Webb is considered one of the world's greatest tunesmiths - "Wichita Lineman" and "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" are just the beginning of his catalogue of hits. They've sold in the millions and been covered by many people. Not bad for a man whose dad warned him, "Son, this songwriting thing will just break your heart."

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Title: Yogi

Subtitle: The Life and Times of an American Original

Author: Carlo Devito

Narrator: Alpha Trivette

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-21-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Few men in sports history have accomplished more than Yogi Berra: three MVP Awards, 21 World Series appearances as a player, coach, and manager, and a plaque in Cooperstown honoring him as arguably the greatest catcher to ever play the position. Off the field, the man often derided for his appearance has become one of the most beloved and enduring sports figures of all time, as well as a successful pitchman and the source of some of the most-repeated expressions in the English language. Now get ready to listen to the true story of how it all happened.

Carlo DeVito's Yogi is the first comprehensive biography of the greatest living Yankee and sheds new light on all aspects of Berra's life, from his humble beginnings in Depression-era St. Louis to his naval service during World War II; from his early days with DiMaggio and the Yankees to his later success with Mantle and Maris; and from his coaching and managing career in the Bronx Zoo to the astute business moves that capitalized on his celebrity status and cemented him as an American icon.

For the first time, get the complete truth behind this famous and often misunderstood baseball great. After separating fact from fiction, one truth remains: There's only one Yogi.

Members Reviews:

I Am Not A Yankees Fan...

...and I wouldn't have normally listened to a book about a Yankee, but this one came as part of a trade with Audible's "Book Sharing" feature. My friend sent me this and I sent him, Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty (that is a great book too). Overall I'm so glad we did this as I wouldn't have bothered to learn anything about Yogi otherwise.

Clearly an icon of the sport, but Yogi Berra is so much more and gave so much more to the game than most others ever did. My favorite part, but the same that I'm a bit disappointed in, was the snippet of Yogi's military history with the Navy. Seriously this could've been more detailed, but probably cut at the editor's desk with a comment like, "This is a baseball book not a World War II story." But that's me, in biographies, I want to hear the details of military service especially when it was only an anecdote in a larger story. Thanks for your military service Mr. Berra.

I was especially keen on Yogi's post playing profession, as a coach and manager, as well as his business acumen outside of baseball. I was stunned at his short stints as the skipper, despite his successes and aghast at the treatment given to this legend by Steinbrenner. I loved that he wanted to stay in the game as a coach and helped tie the Yankee generations together.

I listen at 3 x speed and had no problem with the narrator, even when he tried replicating Yogi's accent on one of his infamous malapropisms or one-liners.

A Yankee fan I am not, but a Yogi Berra fan I'll always be.

Inspiring Story

A simple man from a working immigrant family becomes an iconic legend in America's national pastime, baseball. A diminutive giant among heroes in Yankee history, the bridge between old and new. Holder of some of the most prestigious major league records, particularly world series records, which likely will never be broken in the modern free agency era. A humble man dedicated to family and principle, remembered as much for his "Berra"ism expressions as his baseball ability.

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Title: Going to Sea in a Sieve

Author: Danny Baker

Narrator: Danny Baker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-19-12

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 27 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Born in 1957 in Deptford, south London, Danny's first job after dropping out of school at the age of 15 was in One Stop Records, a small record shop in London's West End, frequented by Elton John and Mick Jagger, a store rather like the one in High Fidelity. His career in print journalism began in 1976 when he co-founded the fanzine Sniffin' Glue leading to an offer from the New Musical Express, where his first job was as a receptionist. Soon after, Baker was contributing regular astute articles, reviews and later interviews to the publication. Danny then began making 30-minute documentaries at LWT for the cult series 20th Century Box, and appeared in two television commercials: Daz washing powder and Mars bar chocolate. His stellar career on the radio began on BBC GLR in 1989, then moved to BBC Radio 5 where he presented sports shows including the ground-breaking 6-0-6, which still influences the media's approach to criticism of players, managers and referees.

He also worked on BBC Radio 1, back to BBC GLR, Talk Radio and later on Virgin Radio. On his return to BBC last May, Danny won 'Sony Radio Personality of the Year' and appeared on Desert Island Discs last July. Six months earlier he had gone public on his cancer and chemotherapy treatment, and thankfully all seems well.

Danny Baker currently presents a weekday show at BBC London 94.9, which features phone-ins and discussions with his on-air team regarding music and entertainment of the 1960s and 1970s, and a Saturday morning show on BBC Radio 5.This book charts Danny's showbiz career, the highs and lows, and everything in between, including the accusation that he killed Bob Marley...Read by Danny Baker.

Members Reviews:

Best storyteller!

Would you consider the audio edition of Going to Sea in a Sieve to be better than the print version?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

Danny Baker is such an engaging storyteller. If he read the phone book, he could it interesting.

Which scene was your favorite?

The story about the shirt that Mark Bolan gave to him was priceless. And any time he quote his father.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both laughed and cried...but mainly laughted, a lot!!

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this audio book and I can only hope that he will do one for his second book "Going Off Alarming".

Mouth of a docker life of a rocker

Would you consider the audio edition of Going to Sea in a Sieve to be better than the print version?

This is definitely better than the print version as hearing Danny Baker read it adds the full force of his personality to the book.

What other book might you compare Going to Sea in a Sieve to and why?

This is similar to 'Cider with Roadies' by Stuart Maconie. Not sure how either of these will play with a US audience as these are both UK-centric personalities but I would give both a go.

What about Danny Bakers performance did you like?

I like the way he managed to evoke growing up in London without rose-tinted spectacles or a Vaseline covered lens.

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Title: John Surtees: Motorcycle Maestro

Author: Mick Walker

Narrator: Simon Whistler

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-16-12

Publisher: Prospero Media

Ratings: 1.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Mick Walker - leading authority on all forms of motorcycle sport - examines the long career of the quickest and most determined competitors of all time in this enthralling biography. In the late 1950's John Surtees was the dominant rider in top-level British and European motorcycle racing. A precocious talent, he began riding competitively on Vincents in the early 1950's, then REGs and NSUs and Nortons. He swiftly established himself as one of the quickest and most determined competitors. He confirmed his outstanding qualities as a rider when he won his first 500cc title for MV Agusta in 1956, and this triumph was followed by six more titles, three at 350cc and three at 500cc. From 1958 to 1960, he won by a huge margin.

In this fully illustrated and in-depth new study, Mick Walker reassesses Surtees' remarkable record and explores the background to his achievement. He recalls Surtee's early introduction to the sport, his rapid development as a rider and his years of dominance. The technical side of Surtees' career - the bikes he rode and his considerable skills as a mechanic and engineer - is covered in detail. The book gives a fascinating insight into the intense motivation that often gave Surtees the edge over his rivals and laid the foundation for the success that followed. As a rider Surtees was not only exceptionally fast, safe, and consistent, but he was also technically adept and innovative. His race preparation was meticulous and single-minded, and this professional attitude to the sport marked him out from his contemporaries.

Members Reviews:

Facts and no soul

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Statistic freaks

Would you ever listen to anything by Mick Walker again?

No

What does Simon Whistler bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Nothing

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not really it was just dates n stats not enough on the human side

Any additional comments?

I can look up stats if thats what i want

Zzzzzzzz

All of the stats and race stories were interesting enough to keep me "tuned in". The authors admiration and obsession for John Surtees took away from what should have been a well constructed biography. Again, while still interesting, it could have been mistaken for a well researched fan letter. The narrator, while good, was not suited for this type of book and it should have been delivered by someone with more excitement in their delivery. Ultimately, I changed the speed of the audiobook to 1-1/2 to get through it faster.

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Title: "Otay!"

Subtitle: The Billy "Buckwheat" Thomas Story

Author: David W. Menefee, William Thomas

Narrator: Bryan Hendrickson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-30-12

Publisher: BearManor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

William Thomas, the man known as "Buckwheat," one of the most beloved characters in the history of the Our Gang and Little Rascals films, rose from obscurity to become an American icon. Billy's heritage grew to be more than the 93 comedies in which he appeared as Buckwheat. He was a husband, father, and soldier. Several generations have come to know Buckwheat as if he was a real person, but few knew Billy, the man behind the myth.

In "Otay!" The Billy "Buckwheat" Thomas Story, William Thomas, Jr., Billy's son, joins with acclaimed author David W. Menefee to brush back the sands of time and unearth the facts beneath the fable. For the first time, the true story is told how producer Hal Roach, Sr. plucked three-year-old Billy from hundreds of children and raised him on a pedestal before an adoring public.

For a decade, Billy was the most prominent Black American in motion pictures, but World War Two brought an end to the famous comedy series and a halt to his film career. Billy went on to live a private, nearly normal life, married, fathered an adorable child, and then answered the call to arms and enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War. Years later, imposters attempted to steal his limelight, but Billy forgave the offense with his characteristic, childlike good humor.

In an era when most Black American actors were struggling to gain a foothold in Hollywood, Billy achieved a lasting legacy. Enjoy the timeless tale of a baby superstar, who once shown brightly on movie screens during Hollywood's "Golden Years" and still fascinates audiences today.

Members Reviews:

A delightful listen.

"Otay" is an absolute delight to listen to. It is a wonderful biography of an American Icon of who so many of us have grown up with. Our Gang film shorts (also known as The Little Rascals) have been entertaining generation after generation since the 1920's and Billy Thomas as "Buckwheat" is one of its most memorable characters. While listening to "Otay" I found myself keenly interested to the story line no doubt due to the superb narration done by Bryan Hendrickson. It is simply just fantastic the way Bryan keeps you captivated from beginning to end and hopefully this will not be his last narration. As I said "Otay is a delightful listen and its short enough to listen to during your lunch hour or during your commute. I highly recommend this Audio Book.

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Title: Behind the Screen Door

Subtitle: Tales from the Hollywood Hills

Author: Richard Gregson

Narrator: Larry Lamb

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-04-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

For more than 20 years, Englishman Richard Gregson was one of the most powerful film personalities in Hollywood and London. As the agent for Robert Redford, John Schlesinger, Alan Bates, Frederic Raphael and producer Jo Janni, he saw the industry from many angles and met anyone who was anyone in Hollywood, including Frank Sinatra and members of the Mafia. He also produced films (Downhill Racer) and a musical on Broadway (Cyrano, starring Christopher Plummer) and co-scripted the Academy Award-nominated The Angry Silence. During this time he was married to the legendarily beautiful film star Natalie Wood. His memoir is a brilliantly witty tale of life as a top Hollywood agent and an account of just how deals were cut and movies made in his time.

Cover designed by Sam Wall.

Members Reviews:

not much you didn't know already

Unless you're a big fan of Natalie Wood, you can pass on this one.... it's not even a good story about either Hollywood or the entertainment industry.

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Title: A Warrior's Heart

Subtitle: The True Story of Life Before and Beyond 'The Fighter'

Author: Micky Ward, Joe Layden

Narrator: Mickey Ward, Bill Lobley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-29-12

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

With the success of the critically acclaimed, Academy Award-winning film The Fighter, the world stood up and cheered for the inspiring true story of Micky Ward - a heart-and-soul warrior who overcame the odds to make history in the ring. But that was only part of the tale. Now, in his own words, Irish Micky Ward tells his inspirational life story as only he can.

From his first bout at the age of seven, Micky Ward was known first and foremost for giving as good as he got, and for leaving absolutely everything he had in the ring. When he fought, quitting was never an option. It was that indomitable spirit that would allow him to survive, battle against, and overcome the harsh realities that he faced every day of his life.

For it was outside the ring that Wards heart would be most needed, from witnessing his idolized older half-brother Dicky fall from grace, to dealing with his wildly dysfunctional - if frighteningly loyal - family, to the darkest of secrets that he has never revealed until now, and the numerous setbacks and defeats that would have stopped a lesser man. Micky Ward has remained a fighter, through and through - both as a professional boxer, and as a man who finally found his greatest strength in friendship, family, and faith in himself

From the rough streets of Lowell, Massachusetts, to the blood and sweat of the international fight game, to the bright lights and adulation of Hollywood, this is the rousing, moving, tragic, and humorous story of the one and only Micky Ward.

Members Reviews:

I love Micky Ward even more after reading this!

Micky Ward does a great job with the narration. It feels like he's just telling you stories and he's a great story teller. If you love boxing, you'll really enjoy this book. #fangirl

great story, voice description misleading

Great book but description says narration by Micky Ward with Bill Lobley. Truth is, a short intro is voiced by Micky Ward, and the entire book voiced by Lobley, who as a New York native, puts on an obnoxious exaggerated Boston area accent to narrate Micky Ward's perspective. Honestly the accent is like nails on a chalkboard to an actual MA native. Should have been narrated by an actual MA native if not Micky himself, or even just narration by anyone without faking any accent would've been better. I don't understand the nation's fascination with trying to lay on Boston accents so thick on every movie or account about this region. Micky Ward is a legend I've been fortunate enough to meet on a few occasions, and I hate to criticize anything he's involved with, because he deserves all the success that comes his way. I just wish the description wasn't misleading about the narration. I probably would have just bought the actual book if I had known. Great story though. If book gets another narrator I'll buy it again.

A good story for one listen.

This is a feel good story and it made me feel good.

I enjoyed listening to it once, but I wouldn't want to listen to it again. It held my interest all the way through -- more than a lot of books these days -- and the end was interesting. But that's it.

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Title: A Life Too Short

Subtitle: The Tragedy of Robert Enke

Author: Ronald Reng

Narrator: John Telfer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-28-12

Publisher: Random House Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 16 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Why does an international footballer with the World at his feet decide to take his own life? On November 10, 2009, the German national goalkeeper Robert Enke stepped in front of a passing train. He was 32 years old. Viewed from the outside, Enke had it all. Here was a professional goalkeeper who had played for a string of Europe's top clubs, including Jose Mourinho's Benfica and Louis Van Gaal's Barcelona. Enke was destined to be his country's first choice for years to come. But beneath the bright veneer of success lay a darker story.

In A Life Too Short, award-winning writer Ronald Reng pieces together the puzzle of his lost friend's life. Reng brings into sharp relief the specific demands and fears faced by those who play top-level sport. Heartfelt but never sentimental, he tells the universal tragedy of a talented man's struggles against his own demons.

Members Reviews:

Depression explained

I went into listening to this audiobook wanting to learn about robert enke and came out of it having learnt more about depression and how it can effect an international goalkeeper and how it can change the personality of a person. A must listen. Educating and informative.

Tragic but beautiful

What a beautifully written book that portrays the struggle robert, his family and friends all endured. An easy read that engages the mind and asks questions throughout about your own perception of mental health. I would highly recommend this book.

OMG - the worst and best book I have ever heard?

What made the experience of listening to A Life Too Short the most enjoyable?

Here was a person who seemed to the outside world as having all the trappings of professional footballer but yet he spent times unable to function and, more surprising he hid it so well.

The book itself is beautifully touching, in terms of writing and the narrator does a brilliant job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to listen to it continuiously, but I had to switch it and re compose myself, I was moved to tears on several occasions, having been involved in football and having lived through depression with a close friend, the way the subjects are approached is refreshingly honest and forthright. If you have any knowledge of Robert Enke you will be aware of the shock his death caused at the time, this book brought those feeling back, I felt the loss of his family and friends.

Any additional comments?

Just one word of warning, if you suffer from or if you are thinking of giving this to a someone who is travelling the road of depression, please don't. I felt emotionally drained after listening and I have never felt like that before from a book.

a great insight

a great insight to a condition people dont recognise and to the struggles that come from playing the great game at the top level

Incredible; sad

Hugely powerful, incredibly sad, brilliantly written. This book is a great account of the life and tragic death of Robert Encke

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Título: Cada día mas fuerte [Growing Stronger Every Day]

Autor: Thalia

Narrador: Federica Sodi Miranda

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 11-30-11

Editor: Recorded Books

Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 10 votos

Categorías: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Resumen del editor:

La memoria íntima de la famosísima cantante y actriz. Por primera vez, Thalia habla de sus experiencias, las tragedias y los éxitos. Como todos, yo tengo cosas que me impulsan y cosas que me halan y obstaculizan. Con este libro, que está lleno de un sentimiento de fortaleza y potencialidad, deseo impulsar nuestras vidas a la plenitud, y que podamos ver una luz en el camino; que juntos abracemos, perdonemos, restauremos y amemos a la persona más importante que pueda haber. Nosotros mismos. De la mano de mis remembranzas, descubrí el poder que llevo dentro de mí. Asimilé que cada vivencia, cada dificultad, cada problema, cada episodio doloroso, difícil o intenso, me ha permitido conocerme cada vez más y hacerme cada día más fuerte.

Opiniones de los miembros:

Impresionante! Me hizo feliz!

Hay muchas cosas que uno no se imaginaria sobre Thalia, eventos, acciones, forma de pensar y de ser. Este libro no solo nos ayuda a conocer a Thalia como persona y artista, también nos entrega poderosos mensajes de fe, libertad, amor, vida y mucho mas! Un libro que alimenta el alma y nos da esperanza a crecer cada día mas fuerte!

Very enjoyable and insightful read!

If you could sum up Cada día mas fuerte [Growing Stronger Every Day] in three words, what would they be?

A true inspiration

What did you like best about this story?

I like the tone in which it was written, it felt very warm, from the heart.

What does Federica Sodi Miranda bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I truly believe that Federica Sodi being Thalia's sister made a big difference in the narration. She read every word as if she was feeling it, therefore traspassing that to the listener. I enjoyed it very much and strongly feel she was absolutely the best narrator for this book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moments where Federica's voice broke from emotion from what she was reading which probably touched her, but that made it so much more credible and honest that it moved me to cry as well.

Any additional comments?

Thalia did an excellent job writing this book, the tone, the use of words, etc. kept me interested the whole time. And Federica did an awesome job narrating it, making the reader feel and live the story. The absolute perfect combination. This has been one of the best audible books I've had the pleasure to listen to.